jealousy

American  

[jel-uh-see] / ˈdʒɛl ə si /

noun

plural

jealousies

1. jealous resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another's success or advantage itself.

2. mental uneasiness from suspicion or fear of rivalry, unfaithfulness, etc., as in love or aims.

3. vigilance in maintaining or guarding something.

4. a jealous feeling, disposition, state, or mood.

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jealousy British  

/ ˈdʒɛləsɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being jealous

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Usage

What does jealousy mean? Jealousy is a feeling or state of resentment, bitterness, or hostility toward someone because they have something that you don’t. Jealousy usually occurs as a result of someone owning something you want but can’t have or having achieved some kind of success that you want to achieve but have not been able to. This sense of jealousy is very similar in meaning to envy, which refers to a mostly negative feeling of desire for something that someone else has and you do not—like a mix of admiration and discontent. However, while envy is not necessarily malicious, jealousy usually implies a deeper resentment, perhaps because you feel that you deserve the thing more than the other person, or that it is unfair that they have it and you don’t. Jealousy is also used in the context of romantic relationships to refer to a feeling of hostility, uneasiness, or distress relating to the fear that one’s romantic partner will be unfaithful. This often involves opposition to others giving one’s partner positive attention. Such jealousy is considered very unhealthy in relationships. Someone who is feeling or is prone to jealousy can be described as jealous. Jealous can also be used to describe such a person’s thoughts or actions. Example: If your friends feel jealousy over your success, they may not be your friends.

Commonly Confused

See envy.

Related Words

See envy.

Etymology

Origin of jealousy

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English gelusie, gelosie, from Old French gelosie, jalousie, equivalent to gelos “jealous” + -ie noun suffix; jealous, -y ³

Explanation

Jealousy is that unpleasant emotion you feel when you think someone’s trying to take what’s yours. Jealousy might creep up on you if someone flirts with your sweetie or copies your unique style. Jealousy is called the "green-eyed monster" because it can make people obsessed with how they compare to others, always trying to beat their rivals by calling attention to what they have and seeing if the rivals have any reaction. Don't confuse jealousy with envy, which can sometimes be a slightly more positive emotion. If you envy your friend's athleticism, you wish you had it too, but you also admire her dedication.

Example Sentences

But Jamie has never shown any jealousy towards his younger sibling, and their mutual affection has often been in evidence.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

This triggers the jealousy of a neighboring farmer who has known Doris since childhood, and a quiet love triangle emerges that is notable for the sensitivity with which it registers Doris’s own feelings and desires.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

That can trigger jealousy or ill will if one partner seeks to “beat” the other’s performance.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

Instantly, Camille is overcome with desire, as well as a more surprising, complicated feeling: jealousy.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

I stomped down the sidewalk, my Friday night ruined by my own jealousy.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• grudge
• resentment